⚠️
West Coast Demersal Closure in Effect
Red Emperor is part of the West Coast demersal scalefish closure. Boat-based recreational fishing for this species is prohibited until Spring 2027.
View full closure details →
West Coast Closed
Red Emperor
Lutjanus sebae
Also known as: Reddy, Emperor, Government Bream
DPIRD Category
Demersal Scalefish
Peak Season
Year round
Difficulty
Moderate
Fight Rating
★★★★☆
Regulations & Limits
DEMERSAL SCALEFISH
⚖️ Mixed Species Limit Applies
Red Emperor count towards your total demersal scalefish bag limit. You can keep a maximum of 2 demersal scalefish total statewide.
Limits by Bioregion
West Coast
CLOSED
Closed to boat fishing until Spring 2027
South Coast
N/A
Species not commonly found in this region
Gascoyne
OPEN
Min Size
410mm
Individual Limit
3 fish
Mixed Limit
Within 5 demersal total
✓ Open year-round.
Pilbara
N/A
Species not commonly found in this region
North Coast (Kimberley)
OPEN
Min Size
410mm
Individual Limit
3 fish
Mixed Limit
Within 5 demersal total
✓ Open year-round.
Good to Know
- Part of tropical snappers group (Family Lutjanidae)
ℹ️ Regulations can change. Always verify current rules at rules.fish.wa.gov.au
Size & Weight
| Typical Size | 50 cm |
| Max Size | 90 cm |
| Typical Weight | 5 kg |
| Max Weight | 20 kg |
Habitat
Where: Coral reefs, offshore structure, wrecks
Depth: 20-150m
ID Features: White/silver body with red bars and blotches, red fins, pointed snout
Season
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Peak
Available
Poor
Peak: Year round | Water Temp: 24 – 30°C
How to Catch Red Emperor
1
Bottom fishing
Setup
- Line: PE4-6 / 24-37kg
- Leader: 60-100lb fluoro
Top Lures
- Large soft plastics
- Slow jigs 150-250g
Best Baits
- Squid
- Octopus
- Whole fish
- Crab
2
Slow pitch jigging
Setup
- Line: PE4-5 / 24-30kg
- Leader: 60-80lb fluoro
Top Lures
- Slow pitch jigs 150-300g
- Inchiku
Best Baits
- Squid strips
Eating Quality
Flesh: White
Best cooked: Grilled, pan fried, steamed
The Fight
Strong, uses structure